Rudy Gobert’s trade to the Minnesota Timberwolves marked a pivotal shift in his career, ushering in milestones and challenges. His debut on October 20, 2022, was powerful, where he posted 23 points and 16 rebounds, setting the tone for his new journey. Just days later, he followed up with 22 points and 21 rebounds against the Lakers, showcasing his dominance early on. However, his season wasn’t without friction—an altercation with teammate Kyle Anderson on April 9 raised questions about team dynamics.

Despite the bumps, Gobert proved his worth, capturing his fourth Defensive Player of the Year award, solidifying his legacy as “The Stifle Tower.” This October, Gobert secured a three-year, $110 million extension, validating his value to the team. So far this season, he’s been a standout, scoring 17 points with 14 rebounds against the Nuggets and delivering a strong 15-point, 12-rebound, 4-block performance against the Raptors. Now that we’ve seen his journey with the Timberwolves, let’s dive into the family roots that shaped him into the player he is today.

Meet Rudy Gobert’s family

Rudy Gobert-Bourgarel was born on June 26, 1992, in Saint-Quentin, Aisne, in northern France, making him French by nationality. However, his heritage is a blend of Creole and French backgrounds. His father, Rudy Bourgarel, was born in Guadeloupe and is of Creole ethnicity, while his mother, Corinne Gobert, is white French, born in Saint-Quentin.

Growing up as the youngest of three brothers, Rudy faced significant challenges in his early years. After his parents separated in 1995, he and his siblings were raised by Corinne, who worked as a hairdresser to support the family on her own. Unfortunately, they didn’t receive the full support of their extended family. Although raised in a Christian household and accustomed to celebrating Christmas with family, Rudy experienced discrimination from some relatives due to his mixed race.

Reflecting on those painful experiences, Rudy shared, “After I was born, certain relatives made it very clear to her that she wasn’t welcome to come to Christmas dinner if she brought me along. She could come on her own. But she couldn’t bring ‘that child.’ She couldn’t bring Rudy.” These experiences have undoubtedly shaped his resilience and determination in both life and his basketball

But despite all the challenges, he had a bright future ahead of him. He followed in his father’s footsteps. Rudy Bourgarel was a former basketball player, who played college basketball in America for the Marist Red Foxes and also played in Paris and Saint-Quentin, France. He was almost drafted by the NBA in 1989 but the French National basketball team forced him to return to play for them. However, he didn’t have much career in all his French clubs. And today his son has fulfilled his dream of playing in the NBA.

Despite, his father being a hooper, it was his mother who was the cornerstone of his success. “From day one, before I could protect myself, my mom was protecting me. The things she did for me and my siblings … it’s incredible. Financially, we didn’t have a lot. My dad went back to Guadeloupe when I was two, and my mom had to handle a lot of responsibilities.” Rudy stated. And today she can be proud of her son. As now you know his family, let’s explore how France gives back to him.

No more “The French Rejection”

Rudy Gobert, once nicknamed “The French Rejection,” is now celebrated as a national hero in France. His success in the NBA and contributions to French basketball have made him an icon, symbolized in his hometown of Saint-Quentin by a striking mural titled “A KID FROM SAINT-QUENTIN.” The mural showcases a giant portrait of a young boy on the left and a larger-than-life image of Rudy on the right, capturing his journey from a small-town kid to a global basketball star.

Beyond his NBA accolades, Rudy has brought major titles to France, enhancing his legacy both domestically and internationally. These titles include:

From facing rejection to rising to become an NBA and Olympics star, encountered numerous challenges and triumphs along the way. It highlights not only his talent but also his family’s role in supporting him to overcome obstacles. As Rudy continues to excel on the court, his story remains an inspiring testament to the power of perseverance.